Getting a PADI diving license in Malaysia
Have you always dreamt of exploring the beauty of the underwater world and swimming alongside gentle sea turtles, schools of brilliantly coloured fishes, beautiful corals, and even sharks? With the generally calm waters and great choice of beautiful islands all over Malaysia, diving is an exciting activity that's thankfully easily accessible for Malaysians and all tourists!
If you're looking to become a certified diver and wish to find out more about the process of getting your diving license, you're at the right place! We've simplified all the information you need to prep towards becoming a certified diver. From the process of getting your license to the best diving spots and diving packages available to you. ✨
About PADI
PADI is a popular scuba diving course certification that is recognized worldwide, offering unparalleled educational programs that will equip you with dive knowledge that will allow you to explore the underwater world safely. Popular PADI courses include:
- PADI Open Water Diver Course (for beginners)
- PADI Advanced Open Water Diver Course
- PADI Enriched Air Diver Course
For the benefit of beginner divers, this article will cover information for the PADI Open Water Diver Course which is the first step to your diving journey. As a PADI Open Water Diver, you will be trained to a maximum depth of 18 metres/60 feet!
Requirements to get a PADI diving license
To get a diving license, you have to be:
- Aged 10 years or older (in most places)
- Medically fit for diving (you will be required to fill up a scuba medical questionnaire before beginning your course - check out the questionnaire here)
- Know the basics of swimming (you will have to demonstrate your ability to swim during the course. Note: you do not have to be a very good swimmer to get a diving license - but you'll have to possess basic swimming skills and be able to comfortably maintain yourself in the water!)
How to become a certified diver
The PADI Open Water Diver Course consists of 3 main phases:
1. Knowledge Development - Students usually go through this independently (e-learning/home study) or in a classroom and will be exposed to the basic principles of scuba diving. Complete quizzes to test your learning progress throughout this stage!
2. Confined Water Dives - During this stage, you will get to practice your scuba diving skills in a pool/water with pool-like conditions (e.g.: off a calm beach). This is your chance to get comfortable in the water with the diving equipment!
3. Open Water Dives - Practice, apply and demonstrate what you've learned in the first 2 phases during this phase with a total of four open water dives (usually over two days).
The course typically takes 4 days to complete, but the duration is also somewhat flexible and performance-based. Focus on becoming a confident and comfortable diver and not try to rush things through!
How much does a diving course cost?
Scuba diving courses in Malaysia usually cost between RM1000 - RM2000 depending on the package you sign up for. Courses typically come inclusive of your course materials/book, theory sessions, confined open water sessions, open water dives, and instructor fees. ✅
There are also packages that come inclusive of the essentials like accommodation, meals, and other fees so you don't have to worry about planning your trip! 😍
For first-time divers, we've shortlisted diving courses that are perfect for beginners:
Package | Price |
|---|---|
📍 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah PADI Discover Scuba Diving - 2 dives | (inclusive of lunch) |
📍 Pattaya, Thailand PADI Discover Scuba Diving - 2 dives | (inclusive of lunch) |
📍 Koh Phi Phi, Thailand PADI Discover Scuba Diving - 1 dive | (inclusive of refreshments) |
📍 Bali, Indonesia PADI Discover Scuba Diving - 1 dive | |
📍 Moalboal, Philippines PADI Discover Scuba Diving - 1 dive | (inclusive of national park fees) |
📍 Mindoro, Philippines PADI Discover Scuba Diving - 1 dive | (includes certification fees) |
📍 Okinawa, Japan 3-day PADI Open Water Diver Course - 4 dives | (inclusive of training materials and certification fees) |
You can also check the list below for more diving packages available on Klook at discounted rates:
Package | Price |
|---|---|
📍Kota Kinabalu, Sabah 3 days Advanced Open Water Course | |
📍Lembongan, Indonesia 4 Days Open Water Course | (inclusive of lunch and certification fees) |
📍Labuan Bajo, Indonesia 3 Days Open Water Course | (inclusive of lunch and certification fees) |
📍Semporna, Sabah 3 Days Open Water Course | |
📍Nemo Diving Centre, Dubai 4 Days Advanced Open Water Course | |
📍Liuqiu, Taiwan 2D1N Advanced Open Water Course | (Inclusive of lunch, training materials, and insurance) |
Best places to get your PADI diving license in Malaysia
1. Pulau Tioman, Pahang
Pulau Tioman is heaven for divers and provides great diving opportunities with over 25 dive sites suitable for divers of all ranges of capabilities and experiences. It's top-rated and one of the most popular spots for diving lessons in Peninsular Malaysia!
2. Pulau Perhentian, Terengganu
Known for its beautiful reef, massive diversity of fish, and calm waters, Pulau Perhentian is perfect for diving beginners as the water conditions are pleasant, with great underwater visibility. Courses are also relatively cheaper here!
3. Semporna, Sabah
The region of Semporna in Sabah is home to some of the most beautiful diving sites in the world - you'll be surrounded by all sorts of marine life at the variety of islands here. You can get your diving license within just 3 days by booking your PADI Open Water Course at Semporna on Klook! This way you'll have plenty of time to explore the beauty of the breathtaking underwater world at Pulau Sipadan, Mabul, Kapalai, and more once you're certified.
4. Pulau Rawa, Johor
Photo Credits: @ojaboom
Have you heard of the tranquil Pulau Rawa, a private island owned by royalty located off the east coast of Johor? With a handful of dive sites including a shipwreck and a vibrant house reef, Rawa offers lots of diving fun whether for beginner or advanced divers. You can get your diving license from the five-star PADI scuba diving centre located on Pulau Rawa - in fact, the passionate instructors specialize in teaching families and children!
5. KL + Tioman/Langkawi/Perhentian
Another increasingly popular way to get your diving certification is by completing your theory and confined water dives in Kuala Lumpur before heading off to an island of your choice for the rest of your certificate completion! This option is perfect for those who're more comfortable with practising their skills in a safe pool before jumping into the ocean.
'Try Diving' Before Deciding Whether To Get A License
Did you know that you can actually try diving before deciding whether to sign up for a course? Also known as discover scuba diving, try diving sessions allow you to experience diving under the guidance of internationally qualified divers who will hold on to you and guide you throughout the whole process! This experience is perfect for non-certified scuba divers who just wish to try out what it's like plunging into the depths of the ocean.
Package | Price |
|---|---|
Discover Diving at Sunset Beach, Gili Air Nusa Tenggara Barat Lombok, Indonesia | |
Discover Diving at OK Divers Resort & Spa, Indonesia | |
Discover Diving at Blue Season Bali, Indonesia | |
Discover Diving at Tun Sakaran Marine Park, Sabah |
Best Time To Dive
Photo Credits: @makoto_shigehara || 📍 Pulau Sipadan, Sabah
Islands on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia (e.g.: Redang, Perhentian, Tioman) are affected by the annual monsoon season and are great for diving between the months of March to September.
Islands on the west coast on the other hand (such as Langkawi) as well as those in East Malaysia are however great for diving all year round! The states of Sabah and Sarawak are home to some of the best diving sites in the world waiting to be explored.
Packing for your diving trip
Diving trips can be very tiring and you may also potentially get sunburned, experience dehydration, and even seasick if you're not properly prepared for those conditions. Here's a packing checklist for you to prep for your diving trip! Though dive centres typically provide some of these, it doesn't hurt to pack your own just in case:
- Rashguard
- Water
- Towel
- Seasick pills
- Swimwear
- Light and comfortable clothing (preferably dri-fit material)
- Sunscreen (look for reef-safe ones, please!)
- Snacks (get some mini snacks in case you get hungry in between)
Best diving spots in Malaysia
From Pulau Sipadan to Tioman, Lang Tengah, and more, click here to read our guide on the 12 best diving spots in Malaysia for your next dive!
More inspiration for ocean lovers 🌊
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